RHODES

Considered "more beautiful than the sun" by the ancient Greeks, Rhodes is the largest island in the Dodecanese. Through naval supremacy, the Dorians, who inhabited the island after the Minoans and Myceneans, built three famous cities: Lindos, Ialyssos and Kamiros. In response to the first Ionian confederacy, the three cities formed a Doric Hexapolis along with Kos, Cnidos and Halicarnassus that united the six city-states for over four centuries in a prosperous consortium that established trade colonies from Naples to Costa Brava.

RHODES CITY

In 408 B.C, during major conflicts in Greece, the cities of Lindos, Ialyssos and Kamiros united to build one central capital, which they named "Rodos" or Rhodes. The capital was built on the grid plan of Hippodamus and was considered one of the most beautiful cities of the ancient world. It also had one of the most advanced harbors for its time. Its popularity and economic opportunities eventually overshadowed the other cities on the
island.

Until the mid 20th century, due to its continued strategic location, Rhodes remained a home to many cultures. These cultural influences can be traced through the architecture, paintings, and artifacts found throughout the city. After breakfast, we depart for a morning walking tour of the architecturally restored Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our visit includes The Palace of the Grand Masters and one of the Knights' Inns along the picturesque Street of the Knights. We continue walking along the ancient fortifications in the famous harbor, which once was graced by the mighty statue of the Colossus of Rhodes. Lunch on your own.

This afternoon, our tour continues with a visit to the remains of the Temple of Aphrodite and the Rhodes Archaeological Museum.

Early evening return to our hotel in Rhodes. Dinner and overnight. (B, D)

RHODES CITY - LINDOS - RHODES CITY

After breakfast, we depart for the ancient acropolis of Rhodes. Our site visit includes the odeon, the remains of the Temple of Zeus and Athena, the Temple of Apollo, and the Stadium.

Break for lunch in picturesque Lindos. With its well-preserved medieval character, Lindos, one of the oldest Greek towns on the island, is the perfect place for an afternoon walking tour. We will follow the path of pebbled lanes and winding stairs and view beautifully restored medieval mansions and churches.

Before returning to Rhodes City, we stop for a late afternoon site visit to the Temple of Athena, one of the most stunning temples in all of Greece.

Return to Rhodes City this evening. Overnight at the hotel. (B, D)

RHODES CITY - IALYSSOS - KAMIROS - RHODES CITY

After breakfast we depart for a full day of sightseeing. Our first site visit is to the acropolis of Ialyssos, built on the panoramic top of Mt. Filerimos. We will examine the archaeological remains, a mixture of Greek, early Christian, and medieval influences, including the 3rd century B.C. Temple of Athena Polias and the brilliantly restored church of Panagia Filerimos.

Destroyed by an earthquake in the 2nd century B.C., the city of Kamiros, one
of Rhodes' three Dorian cities, was all but forgotten until excavated in the mid 19th century. Due to the fact that Kamiros remained well preserved and untouched by influences of the Ottoman Empire and Christianity, it is often compared to Pompeii. Afternoon site visit of this ancient Hellenistic city. Before returning to our hotel, we stop at the Valley of the Butterflies, one of only two summer breeding grounds for the rare Quadrina butterflies (named for the Roman numeral IV that can be discerned on their wings). The sight of millions of these butterflies in flight is a breathtaking experience.

Dinner and overnight in Rhodes. (B, D)

RHODES - UNITED STATES

Breakfast and check out. Airport transfer for flight home. (B)